Israel commemorated the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which killed around 1,200 people and left 251 abducted. Memorials were held nationwide, including moments of silence at major urban sites and rallies calling for the release of remaining hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized ongoing indirect talks in Egypt, where Hamas has indicated willingness to consider a US-proposed peace plan. Analysts note that the anniversary underscores both the fragility of regional security and the enduring human toll of the conflict.

The anniversary has also drawn international attention, highlighting the complex web of alliances and diplomatic pressures in the Middle East. US policymakers are monitoring developments closely, weighing both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests in regional stability.

The collaboration includes a commitment to purchase six gigawatts of AMD's upcoming Instinct MI450 GPUs, with the first deployment scheduled for the second half of 2026. The deal also grants OpenAI the option to acquire up to 10% of AMD's shares, contingent on meeting specific performance milestones.

This partnership signifies a strategic shift in OpenAI's hardware sourcing, diversifying away from sole reliance on Nvidia. By integrating AMD's advanced GPUs, OpenAI aims to enhance its computational capabilities, supporting the development of more sophisticated AI models. The collaboration underscores the escalating demand for high-performance computing resources in the AI sector.

Financial markets reacted sharply: AMD’s stock surged 23% premarket on Monday, signaling investor confidence in its strengthened AI hardware position. Analysts note that this deal could redefine competitive dynamics across AI and semiconductor firms.

France’s Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned abruptly amid a mid-budget conflict, intensifying uncertainty in an already fragile political landscape. The disruption threatens fiscal stability and may complicate US and European investment flows, as credit agencies flag rising risk.

Meanwhile, Japan’s markets surged following the election of pro-stimulus LDP leader Sanae Takaichi, signaling renewed investor confidence. Her emphasis on fiscal stimulus and growth-oriented policy highlights a stark contrast with Europe’s political paralysis, potentially shifting capital toward Asia.

The juxtaposition of European instability with Asian optimism illustrates emerging global economic imbalances. US policymakers and investors are monitoring these developments for clues about future capital flows, risk exposure, and strategic alliances.

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics recognized Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis for proving that quantum effects can emerge in large-scale superconducting circuits. This shows that the boundary between classical and quantum systems is narrower than previously thought, with implications for computing, encryption, and tech strategy. (nobelprize.org)

Their work laid the foundation for superconducting qubits, the backbone of today’s quantum processors. Beyond the lab, this positions the U.S. at the center of a global race for quantum computing dominance, affecting both industry investment and national security planning.

The award highlights how decades of basic science research can reshape technology landscapes long before commercial applications appear. US institutions like UC Berkeley and UC Santa Barbara illustrate the payoff of sustained funding, hinting at which nations are likely to lead the next wave of technological disruption.

Research reveals a sharp rise in marine heatwaves across the North and Celtic Seas, disrupting ecosystems and signaling mounting climate risk. The University of Exeter and Met Office report that the likelihood of such heatwaves has jumped from less than 5% in the 1990s to more than 10% today.

These extreme ocean temperatures are reducing the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon, according to new findings from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. Scientists warn that weakening the ocean’s carbon “pump” could accelerate global warming and intensify climate impacts for coastal communities and industries.

The UN Climate Change Conference has called for urgent ocean-focused action in national climate plans, signaling rising international concern. The report emphasizes the need for finance and policy measures to protect marine biodiversity and strengthen resilience against heatwave events.

Wired revealed ICE is looking to hire nearly 30 private contractors to monitor public content on social media platforms to feed leads for deportations and enforcement operations.

The Guardian uncovered a connected series of thefts of rare books written by Alexander Pushkin in European libraries. Over the past two years, thieves have stolen at least 170 rare works by Pushkin, replacing originals with facsimiles. The scale and coordination suggest a transnational network rather than isolated incidents.

Reuters reported on leaked documents showing that traffickers are exploiting low-value import rules to move fentanyl precursors into the US under thresholds designed for trivial shipments. These loopholes allow chemicals sufficient for lethal doses to enter with minimal scrutiny, evading traditional customs enforcement.